The Best Private Schools in New Virginia, Iowa
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Virginia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bergman Academy
Independent Progressive School
Bergman Academy is an acclaimed independent school serving central Iowa families, including those from New Virginia. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for students age 3 through 5th grade, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and global perspectives. Unique features include Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, extensive outdoor education programs on their wooded campus, and project-based learning approaches. The school maintains exceptionally small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and features state-of-the-art learning environments including dedicated art studios, science exploration areas, and nature-based play spaces.
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Des Moines Christian School
Independent Christian School
Des Moines Christian School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Christian school serving the greater Des Moines metro area, including New Virginia. With a 75-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM and fine arts programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and has a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, music programs, and various clubs.
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St. Augustin Catholic School
Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools
St. Augustin Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area, including New Virginia. The school provides a rigorous academic program within a Catholic faith-based environment, featuring advanced mathematics curriculum, comprehensive Spanish language instruction, and integrated technology throughout all grade levels. The school boasts experienced faculty with an average of 15 years teaching experience and maintains strong parent satisfaction through active community involvement and communication. Facilities include modern classrooms, STEM labs, and extensive playground and athletic spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Virginia, Iowa
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in New Virginia, Iowa, given that the top-named schools are in Des Moines?
While New Virginia itself is a small town, families typically look to nearby communities and Des Moines for private education. The schools often considered are Des Moines Christian School in Urbandale (about a 30-minute drive), St. Augustin Catholic School in Des Moines, and Bergman Academy (formerly The Children's School) in Des Moines. Transportation is a key consideration, as these are not traditional "neighborhood" schools for New Virginia residents. Many families form carpools. It's also worth exploring if any smaller parochial schools exist in closer towns like Indianola or Winterset, though options are more limited.
How does Iowa's School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credit program affect private school tuition for New Virginia families?
Iowa's unique STO program is a significant financial consideration. It allows donors to contribute to non-profit STOs, which then provide need-based tuition grants to students attending private schools. Families in New Virginia applying to schools like Des Moines Christian or St. Augustin must apply for these grants directly through the school or its affiliated STO (e.g., ACE Iowa). This can substantially reduce the net tuition cost. Eligibility is based on income, and the application process is separate from school admission. It's a crucial first step in financial planning for Iowa private education.
For a child interested in agriculture or STEM, do private schools accessible from New Virginia offer specialized programs?
Yes, the accessible private schools offer distinct specializations. Des Moines Christian School has strong college-prep STEM courses and may offer agri-science electives relevant to Iowa's economy. Bergman Academy, with its International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on science and technology learning from a young age. St. Augustin provides a solid foundational curriculum with enhanced science and math. For deeper agricultural study, most specialized programs are found in public high schools or through FFA chapters; however, the private schools provide robust science foundations that can be complemented with extracurricular activities in the New Virginia community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline for Des Moines-area private schools, and how far in advance should a New Virginia family apply?
Enrollment timelines for the competitive Des Moines-area schools are critical. Most schools, including Des Moines Christian, St. Augustin, and Bergman, begin their application and re-enrollment periods in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to siblings and current families. For a New Virginia family, it is advisable to start attending open houses the prior fall (October-November) to account for the drive and planning. Applications are typically due by March, with notifications sent in the spring. Waiting lists are common, so initiating the process at least a full year in advance is strongly recommended.
How do the values and community feel of a Des Moines private school compare to the public school experience in the tight-knit town of New Virginia?
This is a central consideration. New Virginia's public schools are part of the Interstate 35 Community School District, offering a close-knit, local community environment. The private schools in Des Moines offer different communities based on faith or educational philosophy. Des Moines Christian provides a faith-based community with families from across the metro. St. Augustin offers a parish-style Catholic community. Bergman fosters a progressive, academically focused community. Choosing a private school means your child's primary peer and community network will be less geographically centered on New Virginia and more centered on the school's identity, requiring a commitment to integrating into that community despite the commute.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near New Virginia, Iowa: A Parent's Guide to Excellence
As a parent in New Virginia, Iowa, you understand the value of a tight-knit community and a strong foundation for your children. When you begin searching for “prep schools near me,” you’re looking for more than just a list of institutions; you’re seeking an educational partnership that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. The concept of a preparatory school, or prep school, often conjures images of East Coast boarding schools, but here in our corner of Warren County, it simply means a school dedicated to preparing students—academically, socially, and morally—for future success, whether that’s in higher education or their chosen path. The good news is that the Greater Des Moines area, easily accessible from New Virginia, offers several exceptional private schools that serve as excellent college-preparatory environments.
Your local search for “prep schools near me” will likely lead you to consider a few standout options, each with a distinct character. Des Moines Christian School in nearby Urbandale provides a rigorous, comprehensive education firmly rooted in a Christian worldview. Its college-prep curriculum is designed to challenge students while integrating faith and learning, a compelling choice for families seeking an environment where spiritual development is as prioritized as academic excellence. Closer to home in Des Moines, St. Augustin Catholic School offers a strong, values-based education from preschool through eighth grade, creating a solid preparatory foundation for high school. Its focus on service, community, and core academic skills prepares young students with the discipline and character needed for future rigorous coursework.
For families with a strong inclination toward innovative and gifted education, Bergman Academy in Des Moines presents a unique preparatory model. Following the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Bergman emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness from a young age. This approach is inherently preparatory, fostering the intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills that are paramount for success in advanced high school programs and beyond. It’s an ideal consideration if your child thrives on exploration and depth rather than a traditional lecture-based model.
When evaluating these “prep schools near me,” practical considerations for New Virginia families come into play. The commute is a factor, with each school being a short drive into the metro area. It’s worth visiting each campus to feel the community culture and understand the daily rhythm. Consider the longevity of the preparation; an elementary program like St. Augustin’s feeds naturally into Dowling Catholic or other area high schools, while Des Moines Christian offers a continuous K-12 pathway. Financial investment is also key, so inquire about tuition assistance, scholarships, and payment plans, as most schools are committed to making their programs accessible. Ultimately, the best preparatory school is one where your child is known, challenged, and inspired. By looking beyond the simple search term to the mission and outcomes of these local institutions, you can find a partner in nurturing your child’s readiness for the world ahead.